National Register Listing

U.S. Post Office

a.k.a. U.S. Court House and Post Office

202 S. 8th St., Nebraska City, NE
Local significance of the building:
Architecture; Communications

Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1971.
  A brief timeline of the history of the United States Postal Service (USPS)

  • 1775: The Second Continental Congress establishes the Constitutional Post to provide postal services in the thirteen American colonies. Benjamin Franklin is appointed as the first Postmaster General.

  • 1792: The Postal Service Act is passed, officially establishing the United States Postal Service as a federal agency. It sets the foundation for the organization and regulation of postal operations.

  • 1847: The introduction of prepaid adhesive postage stamps revolutionizes mail delivery, simplifying the process and promoting efficiency.

  • 1860: The Pony Express, a fast mail delivery service, is launched to transport mail between the eastern and western regions of the United States. It becomes famous for its daring riders and swift delivery.

  • 1863: Free city delivery is introduced, allowing mail to be delivered directly to urban households and businesses rather than being picked up from local post offices.

  • 1864: The Postal Money Order system is established, providing a secure way for people to send money through the mail.

  • 1896: Rural Free Delivery (RFD) is implemented, bringing mail delivery to rural areas for the first time. This service significantly improves communication and connects rural communities to the rest of the country.

  • 1971: The United States Postal Service is reorganized as an independent agency within the federal government, operating as the USPS. It is no longer directly controlled by the Postmaster General.

  • 1974: The USPS introduces the ZIP (Zone Improvement Plan) Code system, which assigns unique codes to geographic areas to improve mail sorting and delivery efficiency.

  • 1997: The USPS launches its website, usps.com, providing online access to postal services, tracking, and information.

  • 2001: Following the 9/11 terrorist attacks, the USPS faces security challenges and undergoes significant changes to enhance mail screening and protection.

  • 2013: The USPS announces the end of Saturday mail delivery for regular letters and reduces delivery to five days a week.

  • Present: The USPS continues to be a vital service, handling billions of pieces of mail annually and adapting to changes in technology, communication, and the shipping industry. It plays a crucial role in connecting people, facilitating commerce, and serving as a backbone of the American communication infrastructure.

This timeline provides an overview of key milestones in the history of the USPS, which has played a crucial role in facilitating communication and connecting communities throughout the United States for over two centuries.

The National Register of Historic Places is the official list of the Nation’s historic places worthy of preservation. Authorized by the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966, the National Park Service’s National Register of Historic Places is part of a national program to coordinate and support public and private efforts to identify, evaluate, and protect America’s historic and archeological resources.

architecture communications post office
During the Dust Bowl of the 1930s, Nebraska suffered from severe drought and wind erosion, leading to significant damage to the state's agriculture industry.
Nebraska random facts
Otoe County, located in the southeastern part of Nebraska, has a rich history that dates back thousands of years. The area was originally inhabited by various Native American tribes, including the Otoe and Pawnee tribes. European explorers, including the French and Spanish, arrived in the area in the 17th and 18th centuries, and traded goods with the native populations.

In the early 1800s, American settlers began to move into the region. Otoe County was officially established in 1854, and was named after the Otoe tribe. The county quickly grew as more settlers arrived, and towns were established, such as Nebraska City, the county seat.

The development of transportation played a significant role in the history of Otoe County. In the mid-19th century, steamboats began to navigate the nearby Missouri River, allowing for easier transportation of goods and people. The steamboat traffic and the river's strategic location led to the establishment of Nebraska City as an important trading center.

The agricultural industry also played a major role in the county's history. Early settlers engaged in farming and livestock raising, and the fertile soil and favorable climate in Otoe County proved to be advantageous for farming. Corn, soybeans, and wheat became the main crops, and industries related to agriculture, such as mills and grain elevators, flourished.

Today, Otoe County continues to be a thriving region, balancing its rich history with modern developments. It is known for its scenic landscapes, historic sites, and agricultural heritage, attracting visitors from near and far. The county remains an important area for farming and is home to a vibrant community that cherishes its past while embracing the future.

This timeline provides a glimpse into the major events and milestones that have shaped the history of Otoe County, Nebraska.

  • 1803 - The land of Otoe County was part of the Louisiana Purchase
  • 1819 - The Otoe-Missouria tribe inhabited the area
  • 1840s - European settlers started to establish communities in Otoe County
  • 1854 - Otoe County was officially organized
  • 1861 - The first railroad arrived in Otoe County
  • 1864 - The town of Nebraska City became the county seat
  • 1875 - The University of Nebraska established its Agriculture Experimental Station in Otoe County
  • 1882 - The Nebraska State Horticultural Society was founded in Nebraska City
  • 1921 - Nebraska City became the home of Arbor Day
  • 1949 - The Nebraska State Penitentiary was relocated to Otoe County